Himalayan Quake: India rescuers struggle in Sikkim

27 September 2011 17:03

Himalayan Quake: India rescuers struggle in Sikkim

Himalayan Quake: India rescuers struggle in Sikkim

The magnitude 6.9 quake struck the mountainous state of Sikkim on Sunday, according to the US Geological Survey, and was followed by two strong aftershocks.

Several earthquakes hit the Himalayan region this year, but none caused major damage.

Just over the border in Tibet's Yadong County, just 40km (25 miles) from Sikkim, the earthquake caused hundreds of landslides, disrupting traffic, telecommunications, power and water supplies.

Rescue workers in the Indian state of Sikkim are struggling to reach victims of Sunday's powerful earthquake.

More than 90 people were killed, at least 50 of them in Sikkim.

Some 6,000 troops have been deployed in the north-eastern state to dig through mudslides and clear away rubble in an effort to reach cut-off villages.

Hundreds of people spent a second night in the open as aftershocks continued. The quake was felt elsewhere in India, as well as in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.

Due to the above information, anyone who purchases their travel insurance after Monday 19th September 2011, 14:00 GMT will not be covered under the policy. Customers who bought insurance before this date should note the information below:

  • Full cover for emergency medical expenses / repatriation will be covered for anyone abroad;
  • Cancellation will not be covered as disinclination to travel is not covered and is not a valid reason;
  • Travel Delay: Earthquake is not a covered reason for Travel Delay Benefit or subsequent Abandonment, as it is not considered Adverse Weather, as caused by an Earthquake rather than weather conditions, Mechanical Breakdown or Strike etc.
  • Missed Departure is only covered if on public transport and this is delayed, making you too late to catch your flight and covering for additional costs incurred in reaching destination up to the policy limit. Compensation should be sought from airlines/carriers.

World First will of course assist anyone who is stuck out there and needs to return home on a case by case basis, as referred and authorised by insurers (PTI) or anyone injured will be covered under the Medical Expenses section.

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